US Rep. Ed Case Celebrates October as Filipino American History Month

US Rep. Ed Case (HI-01) and Rep. Young Kim (CA-46) led introduction of a bi-partisan measure with the backing of 34 other House members to celebrate October as Filipino American History Month. 

“Each year our country recognizes October as Filipino American History  Month, a time for all Americans to celebrate the incredible past, present and future of our fellow citizens whose heritage lies in the great country of  the Philippines,” said Case in his written remarks submitted to the Congressional Record.  

“I am especially humbled to do so as the Representative of Hawaiʻi’s First Congressional District, where some 195,000 Filipino Americans live, more than any other of our 435 districts throughout the country. With Hawaiʻi’s Second Congressional District with the second largest Filipino Americans population, at about 175,000, our Fil-Am community in Hawai‘i stands at 370,000. In total, fully a quarter of all Hawai‘i residents are Filipino Americans, by far  the largest percentage of any state or territory.” 

In his remarks, Case spotlighted the arrival of the first Filipinos who immigrated to the United States on Oct. 18, 1587, when the ship the Nuestra Señora de Esperanza arrived in Morro Bay, California. The first Filipinos to arrive in Hawaiʻi came onboard the SS Doric with the 15 “sakadas” (contract laborers) arrived in Honolulu to work in the sugar plantations.  

“To Fil-Ams everywhere, Maraming Salamat Po and Dios Ti Agngina, congratulations,” Case said. “I truly look forward to partnering with you on your next proud chapters.”

To read Rep. Caseʻs remarks in the Congressional Record, click here.